The Fund
Kathy was particulary interested in helping students, especially those studying whole organisms, and ultimately the funds will be used to do that.Contributions in memory of Kathy can be made to the Botany and Plant Pathology Endowment Fund in Honor and Memory of Alumni and Friends in the name of the Kathy Merrifield Memorial Fund at the OSU Foundation. Funds will be used to support educational programs of the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology.
Kathryn J. Merrifield
Kathryn J. Merrifield received her B.S. in 1973 in Botany and her M.S. in 1990 in Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State Uuniversity. She started working in 1990 as a Faculty Research Assisatnt in the Nematology Program with Russ Ingham in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology where she remained until her retirement as a Senior FRA in August 2009.
Obituary from Corvallis Gazette Times (1/26/16)
April 18, 1951 — Jan. 25, 2016
Common Name: Kathy a.k.a. “Frosty”
Legal Name: Kathryn Jean Merrifield
Related Species: sister Jan Nelson (Renee); and parents John and Virginia Merrifield (both deceased).
Range: Corvallis area. May be seen at the Oregon coast observing birds or in the forest collecting samples.
Former range: Oregon, California, Montana, Oregon State University, Hortonia
Habitat: Commonly found outdoors or in association with books, samples or enthusiasts of all things biological, especially plants and birds.
Description: Post-chemo mohawk, hand lens suspended around neck, field guide in hand
Attitude: Fascinated by everything. Took a genuine interest in each person she came in contact with, and was deeply loved in return.
Motto: Onward and upward (from the Oregon state song).
Effect of coming in contact with this individual: Smiles and a deepened appreciation for the wonder of creation.